Moderate Intellectual Disability Module 1

 

Supporting someone with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental health needs—often called dual diagnosis—requires a balanced approach that blends structured routine with person-centered flexibility. Because cognitive processing and emotional regulation overlap, support strategies must be adaptable and clear. Key Support Strategies: Consistent Routines & Visual Aids: Daily schedules, visual planners, and step-by-step checklists reduce anxiety and build predictability. Proactive Communication: Use plain language, short sentences, and visual cues. Check for understanding rather than assurance

 Emotion & Behaviour Tracking: Keep a simple log of mood shifts, triggers, and physical symptoms to distinguish between distress from a mental health episode versus frustration from communication barriers. Integrated Care Teams: Coordinate regularly between primary healthcare providers, psychiatrists, direct support staff, and family members to align goals and monitor medication effects. Living Models & Support Levels Living Option Support Level Best Suited For Group Homes24/7 staffing and supervision Individuals needing continuous oversight, medication management, and daily safety support Supported / Assisted Living Drop-in support (scheduled hours/days)Individuals who manage basic daily routines independently but need help with budgeting, shopping, or appointments Family Care Continuous natural support with external respite Individuals living in a family home where daily care is shared and routines are adapted directly Daily Life Management Finances & Budgeting: Use visual tools like color-coded envelope systems or prepaid cards with daily limits to maintain control while preventing overspending. Safety & Emergencies: Practice emergency routines repeatedly using role-play. Keep clear, visual emergency contact sheets near phones or doors. Community & Transit: Map out familiar travel routes step by step. Use landmark-based cues rather than complex street names or schedules when navigating public transport.

Easy Read Daily Support Checklist

This checklist helps track daily tasks and highlights when to ask a support worker, carer, or family member for help.

 

🌅 Morning Routine

[ ] Personal Care: Shower, brush teeth, wash face, and comb hair.

 

[ ] Dressing: Put on clean clothes suitable for the weather.

 

[ ] Breakfast: Eat a healthy meal and drink water.

 

[ ] Medication: Take morning medicines (if prescribed).

 

🏡 Household Tasks & Maintenance

[ ] Tidy Up: Wash dishes and wipe surfaces.

 

[ ] Safety Check: Ensure doors are locked, and appliances (like the stove/oven) are turned off when not in use.

 

[ ] Home Repairs & Maintenance: Look for anything that needs fixing (e.g., light bulbs that need replacing, broken items).

 

ℹ️ If something needs fixing, inform your support worker, landlord, or housing contact.

 

💰 Money & Complex Tasks

[ ] Daily Budget: Check cash or prepaid card for today’s allowance.

 

[ ] Mail & Bills: Place unopened mail into your support tray to review with your support worker or carer.

 

[ ] Schedule: Check your visual calendar for appointments or visits today.

 

🚌 Travel & Navigation

[ ] Route Plan: Review your travel route before heading out.

 

[ ] Travel Training: Practice using landmarks and key stops along familiar routes.

 

[ ] Emergency Contact: Ensure your emergency contact card is in your bag or pocket.

 

🌙 Evening Routine

[ ] Dinner: Eat an evening meal.

 

[ ] Prep for Tomorrow: Lay out clothes and check tomorrow's schedule.

 

[ ] Night Care: Brush teeth and prepare for bed.

 

[ ] Night Safety Check: Lock all external doors and turn off unnecessary lights.

 

💡 Support Reminder

It is always okay to ask for help!

 

For help with money management, complex forms, home repairs, or planning a move, contact your support worker, social worker, or family member.